Exchange with staff and students of Royal University of Phnom Penh (Cambodia)

This event is part of the program “ASEAN Study Tour and Football Diplomacy in Vietnam 2019” organized by the Faculty of International Relations, Royal University of Phnom Penh (Cambodia) from November 10-14, 2019. The program includes lectures, seminars, art performances, friendly football matches and visits to famous landscapes in Vietnam. Together with the Diplomatic Academy, National Economics University, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities was chosen as the venue for the exchange and discussion with the theme “Youth and a deeper understanding of Cambodia-Vietnam relations in the context of ASEAN”.

Attending the meeting were Mr. Chay Navuth (Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to Vietnam), Dr. Neak Chandarith (Head of the Faculty of International Relations, Royal University of Phnom Penh) and Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh (Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities).

Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh presents a souvenir to Dr. Neak Chandarith

In his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh sent a warm welcome to the delegation of officials and students from the other side. He shared that Vietnam and Cambodia are two neighboring countries, sharing many similarities in history, culture and politics. Therefore, events that aim to enhance deeper understanding between the people of the two countries are very meaningful. Through these events, people of the previous generation like him put their trust in the younger generation in continuing and fulfilling the mission of promoting bilateral relations between the two countries.

Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh took a photo with Ambassador Chay Navuth (standing in the middle) and Dr. Neak Chandarith

On behalf of the students of the Royal University of Phnom Penh, Dr. Neak Chandarith expressed his sincere thanks for the warm welcome of the USSH. He emphasized the pioneering mission of both universities in training high-quality human resources, serving the development of the two countries, constantly improving the quality of research, training and international cooperation activities. At the same time, he expressed his hope that in the future, the two sides will promote cooperation in many fields and become two close partners, contributing to the common development of the Vietnam-Cambodia bilateral relationship.

Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh, Ambassador Chay Navuth and Dr. Neak Chandarith take a photo with students

Next, the audience listened to presentations by representatives of cadres, lecturers and students from both sides. The presentations reviewed important milestones in the history of Cambodia-Vietnam relations since President Ho Chi Minh and King Norodom Sihanouk established bilateral diplomatic relations in June 1967. The two countries have gone through turbulent ups and downs, especially in the struggle against imperialist forces and the war to overthrow the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime. After restoring peace and joining ASEAN (Vietnam in 1995 and Cambodia in 1999), the two countries have made efforts to develop multifaceted relations and have now become close partners and neighbors. The speakers expressed optimism and confidence in the process of building solidarity and close ties between the two countries as well as emphasizing the need to strengthen solidarity throughout ASEAN, especially when Vietnam is preparing to assume the role of ASEAN Chair in 2020.

Dr. Hoang Hong Nga (Faculty of History, University of Social Sciences and Humanities) presented the report "Cambodia-Vietnam relations in the context of ASEAN"

Dr. Ngoun Kimly (Faculty of International Relations, Royal University of Phnom Penh) presented the report "Cambodia and the pursuit of peace"

Vietnamese students presented on "The value of friendship, peace and stability in ASEAN and the role of youth"

The exchange ended with special performances by students from both schools, reflecting the rich cultural identity of each nation while highlighting the harmonious common features of Southeast Asian culture.

Dance and song performance "Floating duckweed and drifting clouds" by Vietnamese students

Traditional dance and musical instrument performance by Cambodian students

Established in 1960 with the original name of Royal Khmer University, Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) is the oldest and largest university in Cambodia. The university currently has more than 5,000 students and 3 campuses. The campuses under the university are: School of Social Sciences and Humanities, School of Engineering, School of Development Studies, School of Science, School of Education, Institute of Foreign Languages. The university has about 335 lecturers, including 15 PhDs, 280 masters and over 125 administrative staff.